Grand Forks Community Trails Society was born as an idea in July 2000 and incorporated under the Society Act 22-May-2001. In 2001, BC Gas (now Fortis Gas) completed the rehabilitation of the gas pipeline installation from Grand Forks to Christina Lake providing an all-weather surface for the Trans-Canada Trail. Also in 2001, the section of the Trans-Canada Trail through City Park was completed and officially opened.
In May 2003 the 1.7 km Waterfront Trail was completed and officially opened. In July 2003 the Nursery Trestle and Kettle River Trestle were decked by the British Royal Engineers, completing the Trans-Canada Trail through the Boundary. In the Spring of 2005 the Grand Forks City Council allocated $3500 to assist in the development of trails in Grand Forks. Some of these funds were spent producing Volume One of the “Grand Forks Valley Walkabout”, a pocket guide to twelve walking trails in Grand Forks.
Since 2006 a number of new trails have been developed. These include the newly expanded Barbara Ann Park Trail and the Firemen’s Park Trail to the confluence of the Granby and Kettle Rivers; the Highway Three Trail which will connect to the Ferry County Rail Trail in Washington State to be the first International Rail Trail; and, the Black Train Bridge Trail which connects the Trans Canada Trail to 66th Avenue in South Ruckle, via the newly decked and railed Black Train Bridge, completed in 2009, new trails up Observation Mountain and the challenging Goat Mountain Trail, among others.
2010 was a very busy year as the City of Grand Forks embarked on a very ambitious regime of trail and sidewalk development. It all began in 2009 when the City was awarded a Local Motion Grant of $720,000 by the Government of BC. In early 2010 the City was awarded a Recreational Infrastructure Grant of over $710,000. The City then put forward over $710,000 to match the other two grants to fund the developments.
Major aspects of this development was the stabilizing of the bank of the Kettle River near 66th Avenue, development of a paved and lighted trail from 66th Ave. to the Black Train Bridge, paving and lighting the former CPR rail Grade from Kettle River Drive to Hwy. 3, many new sidewalks, including a serpentine connection between 72nd and 73rd Avenue, and for the first time, dedicated bike lanes along Kettle River Drive and Boundary Drive connecting to the Trans-Canada Trail. These all contributed to permanently changing the way the citizens of Grand Forks think about their community, and has also raised awareness of Grand Forks for trail users from other areas.
An Official Grand Opening of the new trail system was held in the newly completed Gateway Plaza on May 14, 2011, with Erna Gobbet and members of Darrell Priede’s family cutting the ribbon. The Black Train Bridge was formally dedicated to the memory of Master Corporal Darrell J. Priede, who was killed in service to his country in Afghanistan.
In 2012 we have worked on a number of projects: repairing vandalism on the TCT near Eagle Ridge Road, building stairs to the beach at the south end of the Black Train Bridge and our most ambitious project to date -- paving of the Trans-Canada Trail between Grand Forks and Christina Lake. Vandalism is a perennial issue for trails groups and we have been no exception. The gate on the TCT at Eagle Ridge Road had been a constant target, culminating in its complete removal this past summer. We worked closely with the Grand Forks ATV club to replace this gate. See the ‘Photos’ page for more information.
The stairs at the south end of the Black Train Bridge was a nice summer project that produced a serviceable set of stairs for tourists and locals wanting easy access to the beach by the bridge, as well as creating an easy access/egress point for the many tubers on the river. Two major events capped off the Fall of 2013. First, was the creation of the parking lot off 68th Avenue by Roxul Insulation, now Rockwool. The company also built a beautiful kiosk to mark the start of the trail! The second event was the paving of the first 1.7 km of the Trail from the Rockwool parking lot to the Nursery Trestle, thanks to major cooperation between the City of Grand Forks and the Parks and Recreation Sites branch of the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Government of British Columbia. There are pictures from all these events on the ‘Photos’ page.
In Summer 2014 we did major renovations to the Observation Mountain Trail, we built a set of stairs at the Nursery Trestle and made repairs to the Sectionman’s shed at Fisherman Creek -- see ‘Photos’ page. Then in November 2014 the Society led the effort to redeck the Nursery Trestle.
In 2015 the Society requested that the province designate the section of the Trans-Canada Trail between Grand Forks and Christina Lake ‘non-motorized’. This was a lengthy process involving much of the community. A public meeting was held on Dec. 7, resulting in a consensus that the trail should be designated non-motorized. Later that year the Society started the process of designating the priceless Dam Site Trail an official recreational trail. It was successfully added to the Stewardship Agreement with the province. Trails to the riverside were constructed and signed. The Society continued to make improvements to local trails, including the Observation Mountain Trail.
In 2016 the society completed a new guide and successfully integrated trails maps into other publications and brochures. The Society was then granted $25,000 from the Area Director to install a new surface of crush on the Lower North Fork TCT which is designated multi-use. Together with Emcon and other partners this 2.2 km section was widened and resurfaced with a local product which is lasting really well. Local nurseries have also donated trees and a proper trail head was built at the historic Westend Station site on the North Fork Road.
Although the application for Rural Dividend Funds to resurface the Kettle River Heritage Trail was unsuccessful, Recreation Sites and Trails BC combined investments with a Gas Tax Award from the RArea D Director. A contract for the upgrade of the Trans Canada Trail between Grand Forks and Christina Lake was tendered and spring 2017 pavement to Whitehall Road was installed as well as a fresh layer of crush to Cascade. A community celebration in August helped introduce the new surface to residents and visitors, with Society members organizing a barbeque, a Golden Shoe contest and other events to raise awareness of the trail and improved access for all non-motorized users.
In 2018 Society members volunteered their time and energy to add kiosks, benches and information signs to the Trans-Canada Trail, now called the Great Trail, on the section between Whitehall Road and Cascade Falls. The benches and information signs add interest and opportunities to learn more about the area for walkers and cyclists who take this safe, popular and scenic route.
Also in 2018, the Society used funds from a $50,000 Rural Gas Tax Grant, obtained with the help of RDKB Area D Director Roly Russell, to improve the surface of the Lower North Fork section of of the TCT. The section from Eagle Ridge to Fisherman Creek Forest Service Road was graded and levelled, removing ruts and improving the ride for cyclists. and a gravel crush surface was deposited on the section of Eagle Ridge to Goat Mountain FSR. And in the winter of 2018/2019, the Society developed and maintained a cross-country ski groomed trail for the North Fork section of the TCT. This generated even more winter users on the trail, already popular with walkers, snowshoers, and fat bike riders. We are happy to report that most users respected the groomed trail and treated it with care until the very end of the season. The Society has since added signs to remind trail users to respect the groomed tracks.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, our trails proved to be invaluable for those seeking companionship and community while staying safe. Our Scenic Sunday trails group launched March 1, 2020, and after a brief interruption to respect government regulations, resumed in May and has been going strong since. The Wednesday Wanderers developed soon after, offering longer morning hikes and explorations.
In 2022, we focused on trails amenities, adding five pairs of weatherproof adirondack chairs on five trails - the Upper Damsite, Goat Mountain, Trans Canada Trail east and west, and the VV&E West. These colourful chairs are well placed for those seeking a short destination as well as thruhikers. The following year, in 2023, we leveraged a legacy donation to build two gazebos on the Trans Canada Trail, one on the North Fork section and one east of Grand Forks, near Oxbow Provincial Park.
In 2024, GFCTS, the Kettle River Cycling Association and the Phoenix Cross Country Ski Society successfully applied for funding to hire a Trail Manager. The funding is a one-year pilot project from the Regional District of Kootenay-Boundary. The benefits are already obvious!
Through all this, your Grand Forks Community Trails Society continues to carry out its objectives and there are always plans for further improvements. Join us at one of our scheduled meetings to join the conversation about our trails.
Grand Forks Community Trails Society was born as an idea in July 2000 and incorporated under the Society Act 22-May-2001. In 2001, BC Gas (now Fortis Gas) completed the rehabilitation of the gas pipeline installation from Grand Forks to Christina Lake providing an all-weather surface for the Trans-Canada Trail. Also in 2001, the section of the Trans-Canada Trail through City Park was completed and officially opened.
In May 2003 the 1.7 km Waterfront Trail was completed and officially opened. In July 2003 the Nursery Trestle and Kettle River Trestle were decked by the British Royal Engineers, completing the Trans-Canada Trail through the Boundary. In the Spring of 2005 the Grand Forks City Council allocated $3500 to assist in the development of trails in Grand Forks. Some of these funds were spent producing Volume One of the “Grand Forks Valley Walkabout”, a pocket guide to twelve walking trails in Grand Forks.
Since 2006 a number of new trails have been developed. These include the newly expanded Barbara Ann Park Trail and the Firemen’s Park Trail to the confluence of the Granby and Kettle Rivers; the Highway Three Trail which will connect to the Ferry County Rail Trail in Washington State to be the first International Rail Trail; and, the Black Train Bridge Trail which connects the Trans Canada Trail to 66th Avenue in South Ruckle, via the newly decked and railed Black Train Bridge, completed in 2009, new trails up Observation Mountain and the challenging Goat Mountain Trail, among others.
2010 was a very busy year as the City of Grand Forks embarked on a very ambitious regime of trail and sidewalk development. It all began in 2009 when the City was awarded a Local Motion Grant of $720,000 by the Government of BC. In early 2010 the City was awarded a Recreational Infrastructure Grant of over $710,000. The City then put forward over $710,000 to match the other two grants to fund the developments.
Major aspects of this development was the stabilizing of the bank of the Kettle River near 66th Avenue, development of a paved and lighted trail from 66th Ave. to the Black Train Bridge, paving and lighting the former CPR rail Grade from Kettle River Drive to Hwy. 3, many new sidewalks, including a serpentine connection between 72nd and 73rd Avenue, and for the first time, dedicated bike lanes along Kettle River Drive and Boundary Drive connecting to the Trans-Canada Trail. These all contributed to permanently changing the way the citizens of Grand Forks think about their community, and has also raised awareness of Grand Forks for trail users from other areas.
An Official Grand Opening of the new trail system was held in the newly completed Gateway Plaza on May 14, 2011, with Erna Gobbet and members of Darrell Priede’s family cutting the ribbon. The Black Train Bridge was formally dedicated to the memory of Master Corporal Darrell J. Priede, who was killed in service to his country in Afghanistan.
In 2012 we have worked on a number of projects: repairing vandalism on the TCT near Eagle Ridge Road, building stairs to the beach at the south end of the Black Train Bridge and our most ambitious project to date -- paving of the Trans-Canada Trail between Grand Forks and Christina Lake. Vandalism is a perennial issue for trails groups and we have been no exception. The gate on the TCT at Eagle Ridge Road had been a constant target, culminating in its complete removal this past summer. We worked closely with the Grand Forks ATV club to replace this gate. See the ‘Photos’ page for more information.
The stairs at the south end of the Black Train Bridge was a nice summer project that produced a serviceable set of stairs for tourists and locals wanting easy access to the beach by the bridge, as well as creating an easy access/egress point for the many tubers on the river. Two major events capped off the Fall of 2013. First, was the creation of the parking lot off 68th Avenue by Roxul Insulation, now Rockwool. The company also built a beautiful kiosk to mark the start of the trail! The second event was the paving of the first 1.7 km of the Trail from the Rockwool parking lot to the Nursery Trestle, thanks to major cooperation between the City of Grand Forks and the Parks and Recreation Sites branch of the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Government of British Columbia. There are pictures from all these events on the ‘Photos’ page.
In Summer 2014 we did major renovations to the Observation Mountain Trail, we built a set of stairs at the Nursery Trestle and made repairs to the Sectionman’s shed at Fisherman Creek -- see ‘Photos’ page. Then in November 2014 the Society led the effort to redeck the Nursery Trestle.
In 2015 the Society requested that the province designate the section of the Trans-Canada Trail between Grand Forks and Christina Lake ‘non-motorized’. This was a lengthy process involving much of the community. A public meeting was held on Dec. 7, resulting in a consensus that the trail should be designated non-motorized. Later that year the Society started the process of designating the priceless Dam Site Trail an official recreational trail. It was successfully added to the Stewardship Agreement with the province. Trails to the riverside were constructed and signed. The Society continued to make improvements to local trails, including the Observation Mountain Trail.
In 2016 the society completed a new guide and successfully integrated trails maps into other publications and brochures. The Society was then granted $25,000 from the Area Director to install a new surface of crush on the Lower North Fork TCT which is designated multi-use. Together with Emcon and other partners this 2.2 km section was widened and resurfaced with a local product which is lasting really well. Local nurseries have also donated trees and a proper trail head was built at the historic Westend Station site on the North Fork Road.
Although the application for Rural Dividend Funds to resurface the Kettle River Heritage Trail was unsuccessful, Recreation Sites and Trails BC combined investments with a Gas Tax Award from the RArea D Director. A contract for the upgrade of the Trans Canada Trail between Grand Forks and Christina Lake was tendered and spring 2017 pavement to Whitehall Road was installed as well as a fresh layer of crush to Cascade. A community celebration in August helped introduce the new surface to residents and visitors, with Society members organizing a barbeque, a Golden Shoe contest and other events to raise awareness of the trail and improved access for all non-motorized users.
In 2018 Society members volunteered their time and energy to add kiosks, benches and information signs to the Trans-Canada Trail, now called the Great Trail, on the section between Whitehall Road and Cascade Falls. The benches and information signs add interest and opportunities to learn more about the area for walkers and cyclists who take this safe, popular and scenic route.
Also in 2018, the Society used funds from a $50,000 Rural Gas Tax Grant, obtained with the help of RDKB Area D Director Roly Russell, to improve the surface of the Lower North Fork section of of the TCT. The section from Eagle Ridge to Fisherman Creek Forest Service Road was graded and levelled, removing ruts and improving the ride for cyclists. and a gravel crush surface was deposited on the section of Eagle Ridge to Goat Mountain FSR. And in the winter of 2018/2019, the Society developed and maintained a cross-country ski groomed trail for the North Fork section of the TCT. This generated even more winter users on the trail, already popular with walkers, snowshoers, and fat bike riders. We are happy to report that most users respected the groomed trail and treated it with care until the very end of the season. The Society has since added signs to remind trail users to respect the groomed tracks.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, our trails proved to be invaluable for those seeking companionship and community while staying safe. Our Scenic Sunday trails group launched March 1, 2020, and after a brief interruption to respect government regulations, resumed in May and has been going strong since. The Wednesday Wanderers developed soon after, offering longer morning hikes and explorations.
In 2022, we focused on trails amenities, adding five pairs of weatherproof adirondack chairs on five trails - the Upper Damsite, Goat Mountain, Trans Canada Trail east and west, and the VV&E West. These colourful chairs are well placed for those seeking a short destination as well as thruhikers. The following year, in 2023, we leveraged a legacy donation to build two gazebos on the Trans Canada Trail, one on the North Fork section and one east of Grand Forks, near Oxbow Provincial Park.
In 2024, GFCTS, the Kettle River Cycling Association and the Phoenix Cross Country Ski Society successfully applied for funding to hire a Trail Manager. The funding is a one-year pilot project from the Regional District of Kootenay-Boundary. The benefits are already obvious!
Through all this, your Grand Forks Community Trails Society continues to carry out its objectives and there are always plans for further improvements. Join us at one of our scheduled meetings to join the conversation about our trails.